Overgrown Cub/A

Thu Sep 07, 2006 3:52 pm

I know that there were many different row crop tractors that came from the Farmall A and Cub, but you just do not often see them. I just ran across this auction, and it has some very nice pictures of an International 274 Offset. It's pretty interesting how the cultivators and front rockshaft, adjustable front axle, rear drop axles all seem so similar to that of the Cub/A, and I found it even more interesting to see that grill/bumper since I'm thinking of one of those for my Cub. It looks like the modern version of our favorite.

The 274 was the end of a long line of tried and true offset configuration tractors IH built. It started with the A, Super A, 100, 130, 140, 274. If my memory serves me right, these had Japanese diesels in them, may have even been built there. They were made only a short time and are rare in some areas, but seem plentiful in the SE US, especially tobacco country. If I am wrong, someone is sure to jump in an correct me. When I first bought my '41 A I had dreamed of owning one of each version, but time is plentiful, money is short, and the shed is full.

Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:33 pm

The gasoline version of the 274 used a Mazda 4 cylinder engine of nominal 1200 CC displacement. Interestingly, Mazda had an automobile a few years earlier with the same displacement engine. But I have not actually seen a 274 and do not know if the engine is basically the same as the automobile engine. I do know that at least the camshafts would be different due to the different RPM operating ranges. I had a later Mazda with 1400 CC engine, which was swapped for a 1500 CC which just bolted in, no modification needed. Now that 1500 CC engine with just 40 K miles since rebuild seeks another use or the scrap yard due to a tree falling on the car. I wonder if it would fit the 274?

Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:33 pm

Interesting topic. I just noticed a 274 setting in the For Sale line-up at a Ford Tractor dealership in Findlay, Ohio, on rt.224 last week. Guess maybe I should have stopped and checked it out closer.

Rick

Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:44 pm

Yea Rick, Looks like a really nice setup, especially the diesel engine, 540rpm pto and 3-point hitch. All of the stuff you wish a Cub had

Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:52 pm

If you decide you have to have one, make sure the steering is in good shape. It reportedly was a weak spot and parts are just about impossible to find.

Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:21 am

I've always wondered how much the 274 Offset has in common with the A/Super A lineage, as far as castings and parts.

Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:51 am

Matt Kirsch wrote:I've always wondered how much the 274 Offset has in common with the A/Super A lineage, as far as castings and parts.

I think they used the same size tires.

Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:30 am

Very odd that IH would go through all of the effort of designing a whole new tractor from scratch, then not make very many of them... I figured they'd just do what they always did, and put a new hood on the same old tractor. Adapting a new engine to the old bell housing is a non-issue, and re-routing the controls isn't a big deal either.

Does the 274 have live PTO?

Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:29 am

Matt,
Actually, in this case, IH used another tractor that was currently in production (frame, engine, driveline, etc.) and just fabricated an offset axle setup and the other pieces needed, and modified the normal tractor. I cannot remember the corresponding tractor numbers, but I'm sure Jim or someone knows.

Bill

Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:05 am

Production of the whole tractor was farmed out to a Japanese company. It was similar in size to the 284 so maybe it shared with it. Or maybe the 284 was made by a totally different company with different components. I haven't looked that closely into it and nothing from that time would surprise me.